1) When people talking Linux OS, they are really talking about the Linux distribution, not the Linux kernel in most cases. Like I said in my previous post, when you are learning Redhat Linux, you are really learning Redhat specific userland and how they put things together into a Linux core, the Linux kernel. So a Linux distributor doesn't necessary be on the bleeding edge and implement the latest Linux kernel on their latest version or playground.
2) Yes binaries with simplicity but absolutely no configurability. So you really have to trust the person who built that RPM binary, and rush him to be up-to-date on latest software. And if you can't wait, you'll have to compile a software yourself, and often without a clue what the PREFIX should be. As a result, you'll more likely installing software all over the places, and having tough time with dependencies and compatibility problems.
In BSDs, even if a software is not available from ports collection, you will likely have a clue where to install it to compile with BSD hierachy standard.
3) >> sometimes intimidates newbies from using it
Which is a good news. Keep the BSD community small, we don't need too many unqualified people to try it. You can say there are no saleman in BSD teams because they don't know how to advertise their OS. Perhaps some of them are salemen but they don't care about BSD's popularity.
Why are there so many Linux people asking questions (mostly RTFM'able or stupid) whereas BSD people seldom ask questions, perhaps Linux community is much larger than BSDs?
Like I said, when you are technical incapable to handle BSD, you obviously will not try an OS that makes your life tougher. But some people think they are smart *** and wanting to challenge BSDs ( so they can show off to others like: "hey dude I run BSD, therefore I'm smarter than ya) even when they are not qualify in the first place. IMHO, you don't need to be a smart *** to try BSD, but you do need to have a good learning attitude toward learning it. If you are looking for point-and-click-and-ready-to-run software, just use Linux or stick with Windows. So it's good to BSDs that there is an entry barrier which scares unqualified people away from it.
4) As far as Linux emulation, if you must install those software, just face it and install Linux emulator. For games, why bother? *NIX is never meant to be an OS for gamers. Hardware is no longer expensive, so why can't you build another Windows dedicated for games? If you can't afford it, just don't install Linux in the first place because you are not financial capable to experience another OS.
In the end, when you are that type of person:
- who likes to ask first
- Google, what is it? URL?
- don't like to RTFM yourself
- it's the end of world when you make a mistake
- can't live without GUI
- financial incapable
- no spare time
- pretends to be a smart ***
- just to show off
then you don't qualify to be part of BSD community. If you insist on staying (you always can and nobody can stop you), you will likely be the BSD user who kicks yourself out.